BIG things are predicted this season and James Jones has urged Wrexham to show why they are title favourites by producing the goods on the pitch.

The Reds, pipped to the title by Stockport County last season, head into a 15th campaign in non-league looking to go one step further.

Bookmakers certainly believes there can be a promotion to celebrate at The Racecourse in 2022-23 after manager Phil Parkinson clinched six new signings over the summer and retained the services of his key players.

But Jones knows Wrexham, who host Eastleigh in tomorrow’s opening day fixture, need to live up to those expectations.

“With the quality we have got in the squad, we are more than capable of doing it,” said Jones.

“But it is up to us to do it on the pitch.

“The league isn’t played on paper.

“You can have the best squad in the league but it doesn’t mean anything.

“You have got to go out there and win games of football.

“You might have to grind out results, sometimes you might play good football and sometimes you don’t, it is up to us as a group to make sure we do the business.”

Wrexham won’t have it their own way in the quest for success and Jones can expect a fight when it comes to securing a place in the side.

Captain Luke Young, Jordan Davies, Tom O’Connor and Liam McAlinden were midfielders already available to Parkinson who has more options in the shape of new signings Elliot Lee and Anthony Forde but Jones is relishing the competition.

“That’s football,” said Jones. “There is strength in depth across the pitch, a lot of good quality in midfield.

“It is up to us to take that challenge on and show why we think we should play.

“Everyone in that midfield and all over the pitch is going to think they should play so you have got to put your case forward.

“Then, ultimately it is up to the gaffer at the end of the day.

“It is a long season and we are going to need that strength in depth.

“The main goal is obviously getting promoted and I am willing to play my part to do that, whatever that may be.”

Jones, brought in from Lincoln City during the August 2021 transfer window, found his place under threat when Tom O’Connor arrived in January.

An injury to O’Connor gave Jones another chance and the 26-year-old took it as he enjoyed a superb second half of the season, scoring five goals as Wrexham chased promotion and FA Trophy glory.

The aim for Jones, on target in the 4-0 win over Macclesfield in Saturday’s penultimate pre-season friendly, is to emulate that form.

“I like that responsibility of trying to score goals and create goals,” added Jones.

“I started playing the sort of football that I knew I could play in the second half of the season and hopefully I can take that into the start of this season.

“Picking up where I left off is the aim.

“It was nice to get a goal again on Saturday and we will see where it takes us but the main goal is obviously promotion.”